Congratulations! You’re officially in the club of sleepless nights and diaper blowouts! Woohoo!! Bringing a new baby into the world is a beautiful, transformative experience — but let’s be honest, it’s also a stress test for your relationship. But, don’t worry…you can emerge from the trenches of parenthood closer than ever.

1. Date Your Spouse (Even if It’s in the Living Room)

Gone are the days of fancy dinners and uninterrupted conversations. But who says you can’t have fun while the baby sleeps?

• Pro Tip: Plan mini-dates at home. Order takeout, light some candles, and pretend the pile of laundry in the corner doesn’t exist. Or, watch a new movie together with popcorn and play a fun board game! My husband and I got this book to help us with date night ideas!
• Why It Works: Small moments of connection remind you that you’re not just co-parents—you’re a couple who still loves (and likes) each other and wants to grow closer. Laughing over little things and being just the two of you can be just the spark your relationship needed.

2. Communicate Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)

With a baby around, life gets hectic fast. Miscommunication can quickly turn molehills into mountains.

• Pro Tip: Check in with each other daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Ask, “How are you feeling?” or “What’s one thing I can do to help today?” Listening counts more than fixing. (It’s not about the nail…IYKYK)
• Why It Works: Being heard makes both of you feel valued. Plus, you’ll learn to navigate disagreements with grace—because nobody wins if you’re arguing over who’s more tired or who changed more diapers today.

3. Laugh (Even When You Want to Cry)

Parenting is a circus, and sometimes all you can do is laugh at the chaos. Baby peed on you mid-diaper change? Again? Hilarious.

• Pro Tip: Share the absurdities with each other instead of bottling them up. Whether it’s sending memes or recreating the baby’s funniest face, find joy in the ridiculousness.
• Why It Works: Laughter is like glue for your relationship. It shifts the focus from what’s going wrong to what’s truly right: you’re in this together.

Growing closer as parents doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about showing up for each other, day after messy day, with love, humor, and a willingness to share the load. Your baby will eventually sleep through the night (I promise), but the bond you’re building as a team will last a lifetime.

Madison Z Photography provides newborn and family photography in Eastern North Carolina for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, milestone, and baby photography. Based in Kinston, NC, I serve families in Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Washington, Jacksonville, and all throughout Eastern North Carolina.

I offer a high-end, full service experience including pre-session preparation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Client Closet, a beautiful gallery of emotion-filled images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, newborn, milestone, or family portrait photographer near Greenville, NC and are wanting to create heirlooms for your family, I can’t wait to serve you!